The chief executive of growth agency PENSO, Con Frantzeskos, has been appointed to the board of LaunchVic – the Victorian government’s $60 million fund to help startup businesses in the state.
Frantzeskos who founded PENSO just over three years ago is the only representative on the 11 strong board from a marketing communications background.
LaunchVic has been established to accelerate startups and create new jobs and ideas for the state with a strong emphasis on technology focused businesses.
The board will be chaired by Australia Post managing director and group CEO Ahmed Fahour with former secretary of the department of health and human service Dr Pradeep Phillip taking the chief executive position.
Speaking on his appointment to the LaunchVic board, Frantzeskos said, “Having launched a startup relatively recently I know all too well the myriad of challenges involved in getting a new business off the ground and turning it into a success.
“Since launching PENSO from our Collingwood base, we have been fortunate to work with forward thinking businesses and talent both locally and internationally which has enabled us grow and expand overseas. I hope to share some of my experiences with other ambitious startups and look forward to working closely with the board of outstanding business leaders to deliver for Victorians.”
PENSO which is a cross between a management consultancy and digital agency, was founded by digital marketing and brand strategist Frantzeskos in November 2012 with an office in Dubai opened at the end of 2015. Frantzeskos was the former regional digital strategy director for Ogilvy & Mather, digital strategy director at DDB Melbourne and head of digital at Edelman.
PENSO’s clients include Dubai-based aviation powerhouse Emirates Group, Collingwood Football Club, Business Council of Australia and IAG.
